Mizzou offense gets set for year one under OC Kirby Moore
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The young Mizzou offense is going back to the basics during spring camp as they learn a new offense during first year offensive coordinator Kirby Moore.
"Spring ball is pretty early, but as far as being productive, those last three weeks in February we had a little bit of a smaller install those three weeks and carried that over into the spring, which I think helped us get started a little bit quicker," Moore said.
The offense will likely have some moving parts this year without star wideout Dominic Lovett and with a new addition to the quarterback room in Miami transfer Jake Garcia.
"I think he's done a really good job of extending plays," said Moore on Garcia's spring camp performance. "I thought he did a really good job in terms of the live situations especially on Saturday."
With Lovett gone, sophomore receiver Luther Burden has moved into the starting role in the slot.
"I think it's been a good transition for Luther moving into the slot. He's done a really good job of his route running and defining things for the quarterback," Moore said. "I think some of the new additions of Theo and Dannis can really run as well as Mehki Miller and Mookie, I'm really impressed with that group."
As Burden continues to be a big part of the Tigers offense, wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler said he's seen growth from him when it comes to press coverage.
"I think with the slot move it's the ability to get the ball to him faster and if you go look at his explosive plays from last year, a lot of them were quick easy throws and he turns into a running back after the catch," Peeler said "I'm excited about his progress and he's having a really good camp so far."
Another young receiver that continues to grow is Mehki Miller. In year two, Peeler said he's being referred to as "a glue guy."
"He's a guy that when his number was called, you look at the Florida game and going into the bowl game with Barrett having an injury it was a lot thrown on him moving from wideout to slot and I think that's the best thing that he gives you is availability to play multiple positions," Peeler said.
"It gives me opportunity to be on the field whether it's inside or out to help the team in anyway," Miler said. "I'm more comfortable, but I can't be content. You always have to find ways to get better, but I definitely feel like I'm in a better groove now as last year."
While the wideouts look at various guys to step up into leadership roles, the running back room has a clear voice of wisdom for younger players. After entering spring camp last year around sixth on the depth chart, Truman State transfer Cody Schrader is at the top entering his second season in Columbia.
"That was a prerequisite for him this offseason from us. We need more leadership from him," said running backs coach Curtis Luper. "Players on the team respect him for his work ethic and to his journey to Mizzou.
From coming to Mizzou as a walk-on, Schrader said his confidence has grown as he was able to prove himself last season.
"I'm a lot more confident and know what to expect," Schrader said. "I'm used to the speed of the game now and just working on more specific things as a running back instead of just doing the bigger things that you're doing when you first come in and proving yourself. Now I can focus on individual player development."
More interviews with the Mizzou offense from Wednesday can be found below.
